‘Social Network’ drawing raves

Movie: "The Social Network"

When: Opening Friday at local theaters

Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Rooney Mara, Justin Timberlake

Director: David Fincher

The story: In 2003, Harvard undergrad Mark Zuckerberg sits down at his computer to work on a new idea that, six years later, becomes the global phenomenon Facebook, making him a billionaire -- and the target of personal and legal accusations.

The buzz: The fall Oscar onslaught begins with this acclaimed, fact-based account of Facebook's founding, which is already drawing raves for (among other things) performances by Eisenberg, Garfield (Hollywood's new Spider-Man) and -- no kidding -- Timberlake. Also keep your eye on Mara, whom director Fincher recently cast as "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo's" Lisbeth Salander.